Careers in Alternative Medicine

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Rapid advancements and developments in medical
science have widened horizons and opened up new possibilities for the treatment
of various disorders and grave diseases that were once incurable. This,
however, has not managed to put a damper on the traditional systems of healing
such as Ayurveda, Herbal medicine and more.

Careers in Alternative Medicine

Due to the spiritual and cultural values of
countries like India, traditional healing practices are still given importance
and value. And why not? There is enough evidence to support some of these
practices with studies confirming their efficiency.

A number of new schools and universities have
now emerged to help aspiring young students gain a good practical knowledge
about healing therapies that have originated not only in India, but different
parts of the world. Listed below are a few popular branches of complementary
and alternative medicinal systems, which one can take up as a career or a
profession.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is one of
the most popular branches of complementary medicine, and also one of the most
widely applied ones. It relies on the belief that energy of the body flows
through channels, which when blocked, can cause disturbance in the system,
leading to diseases. Stimulating certain points on these channels (mostly with
the help of a needle) balances and corrects the energy flow and brings about
well-being.

A degree or a diploma course in acupuncture can
help you establish yourself as a practitioner.

Homeopathy: Homeopathy, another
widely used therapy, was introduced and implemented upon by the sole belief
that 'like kills like', which explains why bee and snake venom is used to treat
poison ingestion. Dilution practices also play an important role in this field.

Homeopathy is a 5 year bachelor's degree course
in India.

Ayurveda: Ayurveda, an ancient
form of Indian medicine, being used for thousands of years, has been an
effective form of treatment. This practice works on the basic principles of 5
constituents of a person's body, each of which is important for survival. A bit
of less or more in these constituents is responsible for disease- according to
this system of medicine. Treatment of an individual is done on an overall
basis- physical, mental and spiritual.

Ayurveda is a 5 and a half year course in India,
after which one can start working as a registered practitioner.

Naturopathy: Naturopathy, as the
name suggests, is based purely on matters of diet, nutrition and natural ways
of healing. Focus is given on natural ways of treatment of disease and simple
lifestyle changes are encouraged to improve overall health of the individual.

Naturopathy can be opted for as both a diploma
(1-2 years) and a degree (3 years) course.

Biochemic
medicines:
Biochemic medicinal practices work on the belief that the body is constituted
of 12 tissue salts that are vital for life. A deficiency or excess of any of
these salts is what leads to development of disease.

Biochemic medicines can be opted for as a
diploma course; however, universities pertaining to this course are not
established in India.

Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy, commonly
used by patients suffering from sleep disorders like insomnia and narcolepsy,
is another amazing field of alternative medicine that is now gaining increased
importance. Essential oils extracted from different plants and herbs are
thought to stimulate both mental and physical changes, bringing about well
being. A recent study even shows that aromatherapy can help reduce weight.

Aromatherapy is a simple 1-2 year diploma
course.

Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy, sometimes
categorized under psychological therapies, is based on the principle that the
mind is a flexible muscle. Compelling and transforming the mind by use of
hypnosis and self hypnosis techniques is thought to eradicate many health
conditions and is even thought to be an effective pain killer.

Hypnotherapy can be done as an online course or
as a practical course in most countries.

Magnetic
healing: Magnetic
healing is a form of energy medicine that makes use of magnetic energy
available to change the vibrational frequency of the diseased cells, bringing
about well being and removing disease.

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